Volcano's collapse caused mega-tsunami 240 metres high – study

[unhappycamper]

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/02/volcano-collapse-caused-mega-tsunami-cape-verde-fogo-scientists-study

Scientists warn that similar event to collapse of volcano on Cape Verdean island of Fogo 73,000 years ago poses major threat to nearby islands

Volcano's collapse caused mega-tsunami 240 metres high – study
Press Association
Friday 2 October 2015 16.14 EDT

The sudden collapse of a volcano caused a tsunami that created waves up to 240 metres (800ft) high 73,000 years ago, scientists have discovered.

The mega-tsunami took place near the Cape Verde islands off west Africa when the slopes of the volcano gave way – a process known as a “flank collapse” – and some experts fear a similar collapse could present a real threat today, especially around volcanic islands.

The lead scientist, Dr Ricardo Ramalho, now at Bristol University, and his team at Columbia University in New York, said: “Our point is that flank collapses can happen extremely fast and catastrophically, and therefore are capable of triggering giant tsunamis. They probably don’t happen very often. But we need to take this into account when we think about the hazard potential of these kinds of volcanic features.”

The ancient collapse occurred at the Cape Verdean island of Fogo, one of the world’s largest and most active island volcanoes, which towers 2,743 metres above sea level.

[TexasProgresive]

1. Some speculate that it could wipe out the N.E. U.S. coast.

I hope not and at my age I may not be around to see the collapse.

[Scuba]

2. In all likelihood, none of us will be around to see it. But eventually ...

[AuntPatsy]

3. I read somewhere that many scientists do not agree on that occurring....